Lilith's POV
I opened the letter and scanned its contents. Margrave Lennox's actions seemed to be veiled in secrecy, and the implications of his army's expansion were unsettling.
Leaving the confines of the main house, I made my way to the greenhouse where Legis often kept his prized birds.
Whistling a familiar tune, I summoned them to me, their colorful feathers catching the moonlight as they fluttered around.
With a soft touch, I singled out the fastest bird, tying the letter onto it's legs, pressing a gentle kiss to its feathers before whispering my instructions.
"Make sure you send it to Max, okay?" I urged the bird, watching as it nodded understandingly before taking flight, disappearing into the horizon with my message.
With my work done for the day, I was retiring for the night and walked to my room in pitch darkness, I wanted to make a light bulb and realized I wasn't William Gilbert to discover electricity.
On the way I unexpectedly collided with the Duke in the hallway "Where are you coming from, Duchess?" Legis inquired as he intercepted me in the hallway.
"I need to send a letter to Max," I replied casually. "To Max?" Legis echoed confused. "What's the urgency?"
"Oh, I got the report from the Lennox's lord's house," I explained and he nods understandingly. "Is the army rumor true?" Legis inquired as we walked together.
"Yes, it seems Margrave Lennox is indeed amassing forces under the guise of famine relief."
"And what are you planning to do about it?" he pressed and a mischievous smile spread across my lips. "I've instructed Max to meet him,"
Legis's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you insane? Lennox still holds the Emperor's loyalty. If things go awry, Max could be in grave danger!"
I laughed at his concern. "But if he succeeds, he'll have both the South and the Empire at his fingertips, while our dear Emperor remains oblivious," I retorted, reveling in the cunning plan.
"You're no less of a tyrant than your brother," Legis remarked his disapproval and I chuckled at his observation. "I can't wait any longer, Legis," I sighed softly.
"Who all are under the Duchess's faction?" Legis inquired. I waved off his concerns dismissively. "Stepmother is inconsequential, she poses no threat," I assured, but he seemed unconvinced.
"So, who's part of your faction then?" Legis pressed, his interest piqued.
A mischievous grin spread across my face. "All three dukes and the Prime Minister of the Empire," I revealed proudly, relishing in the power and influence of my allies.
Legis's eyes widened in surprise. "And what about me?" he asked, almost hesitant. I laughed nervously, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks.
"Well, I mean, I knew you were Max's teacher, so you're automatically on our side," I replied, attempting to brush off his question casually.
He chuckled and tousled my hair affectionately. "I'll head to bed first," I declared hastily, suddenly feeling flustered, and hurried away, leaving Legis behind with his amused smile.
"Master, I've been looking for you," Derek approached the Duke, watching as his wife hurried away. Legis glanced at Lilith's retreating figure before turning his attention to Derek.
"Derek, conduct a background search on the Duchess," he instructed, heading towards his study to attend to his duties.
"Do you think the Duchess is compromised?" Derek inquired, concerned about Lilith's loyalty. Legis's replied solemnly. "She'd be a terrifying enemy if she was."
YOU ARE READING
The Duke's Wife
Fanfiction"The Duke's Wife" is my story. I am Lilith Aria Ashet, the emperor's eldest daughter at 26 and still unmarried. I always cherished my independence, a life unmarred by the complications of marriage. But my carefully laid plans were abruptly overturn...
